COLORADO BUSINESS HALL OF FAME
  • Laureates By Name
  • Laureates by Year
    • 2025
  • Supporters
  • Junior Achievement
  • PBS Specials
  • Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
  • Nomination Form
  • Laureates By Name
  • Laureates by Year
    • 2025
  • Supporters
  • Junior Achievement
  • PBS Specials
  • Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
  • Nomination Form

Thomas Bailey

​In 1969, from a one-room office in downtown Denver, Thomas (Tom) Bailey began with a vision: to search out the most dynamic, well-run companies, regardless of their size, industry, or location in which to invest. To this day, that vision is what guides Janus, one of the fastest-growing mutual fund companies in the nation.

In Roman mythology, Janus was the god of doors, gateways, and beginnings. Good beginnings ensured good endings, and Janus had a strong start. Soon after opening the doors of Janus Capital Corporation, Bailey established Janus Fund. In its first year, it went from $625,000 to more than $3 million.

By being in Colorado, Bailey believed he would be free from the traditional Wall Street way, allowing him a fresh and different perspective on markets in the U.S. and worldwide. Bailey’s unique approach to business is also reflected in his support of the community. The Janus Foundation assists more than 140 national nonprofits by offering academic education programs to at-risk youth. Most notably in Denver, through Junior Achievement, Janus has adopted seven schools within the Denver Public School district, providing the necessary funds and volunteers for students to complete the entire series of Junior Achievement curricula.

For more than 30 years, Tom Bailey has distinguished Janus from other top mutual fund companies. Under his direction, the investment team has grown to 24 portfolio managers, four assistant portfolio managers, and 30 analysts—all committed to finding the best companies. Bailey remains active in the organization's day-to-day management and sets the strategic direction to ensure Janus remains a standout in the crowd.
The Colorado Business Hall of Fame is co-presented by
Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain Inc. and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.

Videos produced by Becky Holden of Biography Media, [email protected]